(Publisher's note: This is the first piece for Wednesday Journal by Melissa Elsmo, an Oak Park chef and food writer.)

Local doughnut lovers have been waiting patiently since summer for Firecakes Donuts' opening day. Nestled in an unassuming storefront in The Emerson high-rise on the corner of North Boulevard and Maple Avenue, the day-old shop is already churning out small-batch, artisan doughnuts with ease.

The Oak Park location joins a duo of Firecakes sister-shops located in Chicago. "This is our first trip to the suburbs," says Firecakes' manager/baker, Maria Duron, "and this looks like a nice neighborhood."

Let's face it, welcoming a doughnut shop to our community isn't a difficult task. Duron and her friendly crew are peddling some classic doughnuts as well as a few more creative menu options like (brace yourself) a maple bacon slider. Marrying savory and sweet, the fried chicken sandwich is served with Nueske's bacon and maple cream sauce on a honey glazed doughnut. Whoa.

The fried chicken menu is unique to the Oak Park Firecakes location for the time being, but purists will be satisfied with the myriad of potential coffee/donut combos available on a daily basis. Looking for a classic combo? Order a cup of their La Colombe coffee and savor a Tahitian Vanilla doughnut or a buttermilk old fashioned. If your doughnut craving is a little more complex, Firecakes' fresh-from-the-fryer seasonal fritter currently features locally sourced Granny Smith apples and notes of cinnamon. Their riff on a chocolate long john incorporates both Nutella and Frangelico.

Duron recommends giving the PB&J variety a try, but hopes, no matter which menu item you order, you can taste Firecakes' passion for creating hand-made doughnuts in every bite.

Marie T Perkins, I thought they may have had the prices already showing so it would have given you an indication. I am disappointed to know that you did not enjoy your donut since I think a donut shop in the area will become very busy for commuters at that location

Marie T Perkins from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: December 8th, 2017 12:22 PM

Tommy McCoy, the article was written AFTER I purchased the donuts. And artisan or not, they are still expensive.

Tommy McCoy

Posted: December 7th, 2017 11:03 PM

Marie T Perkins, the donuts are made by artisan's so they are going to be expensive. The story has pictures that you may notice the prices.

Marie T Perkins from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: December 7th, 2017 10:49 PM

Being a vegan since 2010 and not having a donut since before that, I was so excited to see this donut shop open with a vegan option (just ONE vegan donut offered - chocolate) Having grown up on Dunkin Donuts, I thought that the donuts would be more along the lines of that type of donut. It was not. It was very dense, heavy and VERY intense with dark chocolate. It was really inedible. And to make matters worse, when they rang up the price, I was shocked that it cost a total of $4.13! FOR ONE DONUT!!! I realize it was gluten free and vegan, but come on, $4.13 for one donut??? I could have bought a dozen Dunkin Donuts for that price! The only good thing I will say is the peope working there were very nice and accommodating. Needless to say though, I will not be going back.

Paul Cagnina Facebook Verified

Posted: December 7th, 2017 6:50 PM

The Oak Park Bakery on Oak Park Ave is much better.

Bridgett Baron Facebook Verified

Posted: December 7th, 2017 6:35 PM

Address is 104 N. Maple. That new street behind the Target, and across from Old Navy.

Tommy McCoy

Posted: December 7th, 2017 6:23 PM

Melissa Elsmo, great writing. You are very descriptive and answered all of the questions I would want to know about the shop

Jake Worley-Hood from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: December 7th, 2017 6:22 PM

You should probably check the address. The address you list does not seem correct.

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